Following last year’s success of Cinderella, Polka Dot Pantomimes will once again be producing Essex’s best value Pantomime that will combine a West End cast, spectacular scenery, glittering costumes and some truly magical surprises. Leading the cast will be the lovely Natalie Cassidy who we all know as Sonja Jackson in BBC1’s EastEnders and more recently in BBC1’s Dancing on Ice. Natalie will play the Fairy in this year’s Pantomime and will be joined by the return of West End star Wain Douglas as our Dame who has been a favourite with the audience at the Thameside Panto in recent years.

It’s going to be a great show and tickets are already selling fast! To book your tickets you can telephone us on 0845 300 5264 or you can pop along to the theatre and book your tickets with our helpful Box Office staff. The Box Office is open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays 10am to 1.00pm. Alternatively, you can go on-line at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre any time of the day or night, where you can purchase up to 9 tickets. Book now to avoid disappointment and get the best seats in the house!

Also, don’t forget that it is the Children’s Panto Chorus Auditions this Saturday 22 June at the Thameside Theatre, Grays from 10.00am – 1.00pm.

Children must be no younger than 8 years old by 1 September 2013.

To audition, you must fill in an application form which is available from the Thameside Theatre Box Office or by sending an email to Polka Dot Pantomimes at darren@polkadotpantomimes.co.uk or call Polka Dot Pantomimes on Tel: 01775 712359 and bring it with you on the day.

THURROCK DRAMA FESTIVAL AWARDS 2013
AWARD	WINNER
BEST COMEDY PERFORMANCE
(BARRETT LENNARD PLAYERS CUP) Jeremy Battersby and Richard Foster “Moonlight and Magnolias”

MOST PROMISING YOUNG PERFORMANCE (MARIE O’SULLIVAN TROPHY) Charlii Richardson (Sylvia) “In by the Half”

BEST YOUTH PERFORMANCE
(CARGILL CUP)	Ben Huish (Truffaldino) “A Servant to Two Masters”

YOUTH AWARD

(CARGILL  SHIELD) Stageability Actors School “ A Servant to Two Masters”
ADJUDICATORS AWARD

(JOAN CHESTER-WILLIS TROPHY) All the Boys “The History Boys”

BEST LIGHTING ONE-ACT
(DORIS SNELLING CUP)	Wesley Players “In By the Half”

BEST ORIGINAL PLAY ONE-ACT
(CLARA MAUD CUP) Thurrock Courts Players
“Home or Away”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS ONE-ACT (CLAREMONT CUP)	Lisa Chapman (Mary)
“Home or Away”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR  ONE –ACT
(GARY OGBURN MEMORIAL CUP) Mike Jones (Bill)
“Home or Away”

BEST ACTRESS ONE-ACT
(COURTS SUPERSTORE CUP)	Jan Byrne (Rose)
“Parcel”

BEST ACTOR ONE-ACTOR
 (THURROCK GAZETTE CUP)	Roy Foster (Arthur)
“Parcel”

BEST PRESENTATION ONE-ACT
(LLOYDS BANK CUP)	Thurrock Courts Players
“Home or Away”

BEST PRODUCER ONE-ACT
(BARCLAYS BANK CUP)	John White
“Parcel”

RUNNER-UP ONE-ACT
(PROCTER & GAMBLE CUP)	Thurrock Courts Players
“Home or Away”

WINNER ONE-ACT
 (MOBILE CUP)	Pier Players
“Parcel”

BEST LIGHTING FULL-LENGTH
(SIMON ROBERT MARTIN MEMORIAL CUP)	Bejou Productions
“Moonlight and Magnolias”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FULL-LENGTH (THURROCK FESTIVAL CUP)	Victoria Grayling (Miss Duck)
“Inspector Drakes Last Case”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR  FULL-LENGTH (BRITTON & WALLAND PRINTERS CUP)	Adam Elms (Morris Dixon)
“Present Laughter”

BEST ACTRESS FULL-LENGTH
(BP OIL CUP)	Elaine Elliott (Liz Essendine)
“Present Laughter”

BEST ACTOR FULL-LENGTH
 (NATIONAL POWER CUP)	Peter Nawrat (Hector)
“The History Boys”

BEST PRESENTATION
MIDLAND BANK CUP)	Lindisfarne Players
“The History Boys”

BEST PRODUCER FULL-LENGTH
(THURROCK DRAMA FESTIVAL CUP)	Steve McCartney
“The History Boys”

RUNNER-UP FULL-LENGTH
(THURROCK COURTS PLAYERS CUP)	Bejou Productions
“Moonlight and Magnolias”

WINNER FULL-LENGTH
(THURROCK ARTS COUNCIL CUP)	Lindisfarne Players
“The History Boys”

The History Boys is a play by British playwright Alan Bennett. The play premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London on 18 May 2004. Its Broadway debut was on 23 April 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre where 185 performances were staged before it closed on 1 October 2006.
The play won multiple awards, including the 2005 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play and the 2006 Tony Award for Best Play.

This production was superb and the best part about it was the cast. Douglas Hector so wonderfully played by the late Richard Griffiths on film was portrayed with equal skill by Peter Nawrat. I don’t think this actor put a foot wrong. Never an imitation of Griffiths but just an essence. He was surrounded by a cast who were as polished as polished could be . The boys were magnificent and larked and jollied across the stage as they listened in awe to their teacher. Supporting Peter were a very able Simon Jones, Ian Morton and Belinda Belt.

Director Steve McCartney had done a brilliant job although some criticism from Adjudicator Louise Manders pointed out wasted stage space , poor lighting cues on occasion and some blocking

On the whole this reviewer loved it and firmly expect it to be among the winners on Saturday

Its such a shame that culture of this standard is ignored by an area that desperately needs a kick up the backside to witness such fine theatre

Here is a selection of the acts set to perform.

Thurrock Drama Festival Sunday 2nd – Saturday 8th June at 7.30pm

Steve Howe Trio 11th September

Classic Clapton 20th September

Thurrock Film Festival 23rd – 28th September

Rollermania with Les McKeown 18th October

Hit Parade Heroes 19th October

An Evening of Burlesque 14th November

Purple Zepplin Led Zepplin Tribute 16th November

Re Take That 29th November

Afternoon Of Song Wednesday 31st June at 2pm

Jean Marsh and Steve Barclay Wed 25th September at 2pm

Songs of the Blitz 23rd October at 2pm

Silver Bells 27th November at 2pm

Forces Sweethearts 22nd January 2014

Tom O’Connor (yes the real one) Wed 12th February

For EVERYBODY!

Jack and The Beanstalk Friday 6th December to Sunday 5th January

Tickets for all these shows at our online site www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre or phone our friendly box office staff on 0845 300 5264 or email us at thameside.theatre@thurrock.gov.uk

A delicious offer Show your theatre tickets at Mumfords Fish Restaurant in Cromwell Road when ordering your pre show meal to get 10% off!

Probably best to book in advance 01375 374153

Organisers! Did you know that you can get married at the Thameside. Go on – do the right thing – it’s not too late for this Summer!

Sunday 2nd June 2013 sees the start of the Thurrock Drama Festival and already audience figures are likely to be up, this is mainly due to the fact the Thameside Complex has been revived and refurbished to a high standard.

After its successful run at the Thameside last week the host team Thurrock Courts players production “Inspector Drake’s Last Case” will be performed again on the Monday night, followed by full-length plays and four one-act plays. The Thurrock Drama Festival is still very new on the festival scene and only in its 19th year so it has a long way to be alongside festivals like Welwyn which is in its 55th year, never the less it is getting more and more support and members of the audience and these other festivals are coming along to Thurrock to see this new festival.

This year the programme is of a very high standard and promises some great drama for all tastes. The Festival once again will be the highlight in the Drama Calendar and those of you who have not ventured to see some of the talent at the Festival should make an effort this year and go along. Louise Manders this year’s adjudicator comments on how friendly and well run the festival seems to be as this is her first visit to Thurrock. A report on each evening will be on Yourthurrock for you to also comment on so why not pit your wits against the adjudicator, the critic and yourself.

The programme consists of five full length plays and four one act plays the winners of which will be invited to the “British All Winners” drama festival run by the National Association of Drama Festivals which will be held in Teignmouth, Devon from 7th to 13th July. The following is the running order for the week. So why not treat yourself to an evening of live entertainment and get down to the Thameside and support the local talent. You might be surprised how professional they all are!

Sunday 2nd June – Stageability – A Servant to two Masters

Monday 3rd June – Thurrock Courts Players – Inspector Drakes Last Case

Tuesday 4th June – Bejou Productions – Moonlight and Magnolias

Wednesday 5th June – Lindisfarne Players – The History Boys

Thursday 6th June – Global Theatre Company – Present Laughter

Friday 7th June – Winging it – The Death of Romeo (New play)

Friday 7th June – Wesley Players – In By the Half

Saturday 8th June – Thurrock Courts Players – Home or Away (New Play)

Saturday 8th June – Pier Players – Parcel

Tickets cost £10 each and £8 for concessions (Weekly ticket available)
Contact Box Office: 0845 300 5264

Polka Dot Pantomimes and Thurrock Council are presenting a GIANT of a Pantomime for 2013/2014 in the shape of Jack and the Beanstalk – a great hit with all the family whether you are 3 or 103 years old! It runs for 53 performances between Friday 6 December 2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014.

Perhaps you’d like to perform alongside our professional West End and Celebrity cast or came to see Cinderella last year and would like to be part of the magic. We promise to bring you everything you’d expect from a professional Pantomime… and more! Dazzling costumes, fabulous scenery and some truly magical surprises are just a few of the things you can expect when you take part. This is guaranteed to be one of the most magical moments that you will NEVER forget.

For the run of the performances there will be professional principal actors and three casts of children’s chorus. The three children’s casts will alternate performances between Friday 6 December 2013 and Sunday 5 January 2014 which will include some schools performances. This is your chance to perform in front of thousands of people – an amazing experience you won’t want to miss. This year we are looking for the following young people aged 8 – 18 years:

An all singing, all dancing chorus of boys and girls who are full of personality and can move well.

Auditions will take place on Saturday 22 June at the Thameside Theatre, Grays from 10.00am – 1.00pm.

Children must be no younger than 8 years old by 1 September 2013. Parents will be asked to sign their child in at the theatre foyer and return to collect them at 1.00pm. NO PARENTS will be allowed into the theatre whilst the auditions are taking place. At 1.00pm, if your child is successful, parents will be required to confirm which three dates they will chaperone for – please bring your diaries with you.

To audition, you must fill in an application form which is available from the Thameside Theatre Box Office or by sending an email to Polka Dot Pantomimes at darren@polkadotpantomimes.co.uk and bring it with you on the day. The form will also require you to attach a recent photograph – passport style is probably best.

Please note that you will not need to bring any audition material with you on the day as it will be provided by Polka Dot. This ensures that everyone is auditioned fairly from the same material.

During the audition we will play some games, teach everyone a short dance routine and hear you sing as a group. It is important to try your best and show us lots of personality – that is more important to us than watching perfect dancers or singers with bored faces. We are looking for potential and ambition so just try your best and don’t panic – we are here to help.

The chance to perform in this year’s Pantomime production is truly amazing but it will require permission for children to be released from School for some performances. This is kept to a minimum and although many Schools are supportive of their pupils participating in events such as this, parents should speak to Head Teachers before the audition to ensure that they are willing to allow absence from School should your child be successful. Your child MUST be available for their selected performance dates and for all rehearsals. Every child performing requires a performance license – Polka Dot Pantomimes co-ordinate this but need parental support to help them achieve that!

For further information, or an application form, please call Polka Dot Pantomimes on Tel: 01775 712359 or call the Thameside Theatre Box Office on Tel: 0845 300 5264. We look forward to seeing you……….and GOOD LUCK!

ENDS

They come at unexpected moments.

My mother is in a care home. My father died seven years ago. One afternoon, my mother was in quite a state of confusion with a number of matters but in the middle of the incoherency, my mother turned to me and asked: “Dad’s gone hasn’t he?”

“Yes mum, dad has gone….”

This week is dementia awareness week and there are a number of events in Thurrock.

On Saturday, we spoke to Zambian writer, Grace Chama-Pupe who was one of the invited writers at the Thurrock Writers Festival. Grace’s book is entitled “Me and my mum” and charts her relationship with her mother as dementia takes a hold of her. You can find the book on amazon.

Drake finds himself plunged into the middle of this group of characters who all have something to hide and manages to get the wrong end of the stick so many times it will leave your head spinning but can you still work out who and how the murder was committed? If you know a bit of theatre then it can be described as a wild and hilarious blend of Farndale meets Agatha Christie, and that’s saying something! Drake solves the case but you’ll surely be left wondering how, in this fabulous piece of deadpan comedy next week at the Thameside. Courts Players are also presenting a matinee performance on the Saturday afternoon due to popular demand and also cater for those of you who would prefer a daytime trip out to the theatre. Tickets are £10 with £8 concessions and the box office number is 0845 300 5264.

Have your shot at writing, directing and starring in your very own film in this four day workshop. You will work with a professional filmmaker to learn the performing, camera, sound and directing skills needed for becoming a cinematic icon, by the end of the four days you’ll be a real pro with your very own short film to show on the silver screen.

Stage | 28-30 May

If performing live is more your style, then come along to tread the boards of the Thameside Theatre stage. In three days you will work with professional Actor-Musician Lorna-Marie Moore to learn the various skills you need to make it to the West End. You can delve into the world of theatre and perfect your skills in improvisation, text interpretation, characterisation and devising. With a short performance at the end of the three days come along and release your inner acting superstar!

From Page to Stage – Roald Dahl | 31 May

Come Kiddles come all to explore the scrumdiddlyumptious world of Roald Dahl as we look at some of his most whoopsy wiffling stories including The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Led by the gloriumtious human beans Lorna-Marie Moore and Zack McGuinness this one day workshop will be a bundle of fun for any oompa-loompas who love Whizz-popping, arts & crafts, snozzcumbers and storytelling.
To take part in Act Up! Film, Act Up! Stage or From Page to Stage – Roald Dahl at the Thameside Theatre call the Box Office on 0845 300 5264 or book online at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre

In its fourth year on the road Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise’s talented cast brings you “the show that never was” delivered with all the fabulous flair of a high energy 21st century live concert.

You can be blown away by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Big Bopper and Eddie Cochran, as these icons of rock and roll join each other on stage for this musical extravaganza.

Backed by the superb Paradise Band, this show has audiences dancing in the aisles, singing along with the music, and yelling for more.

Jerry Lee Lewis is played by keyboard/vocalist Darren Green a wiz on both swinging vocals and keyboards, while in stark contrast is the “Big Bopper” with his deep rasping voice, huge personality and wicked sense of humour played superbly by John Simon-Rawlings.

More mellow sounds will come from Gavin Stanley, a dead-ringer for Eddie Cochran, followed by the unmistakable voice of Buddy Holly, complete with immaculate suit and trademark specs played by the excellent Nick Player.

The darkened glasses, made famous by Roy Orbison are worn by Johnny Curtiss and then Richard Atkins pays homage to The King – Elvis.

Whether you saw these guys the first time round or are just a fan of live music, Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise has something for everyone in this feel-good two hour celebration of the magic of rock and roll with over 40 songs packed into this roof raising critically acclaimed show.

Tickets, at £18 each, can be reserved by calling the Thameside box office on 0845 3005264.

Jack and the Beanstalk will provide great value-for-money Christmas fun for all the family. Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to Giant Blunderbore’s Castle in the Sky as our daring hero takes on the evil Poison Ivy!

With reasonably priced tickets, it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans to come to the best value Panto in Essex! Cinderella was a huge success last year and this year will be no exception. Expect new scenery, new costumes, new faces in our all star cast and plenty of audience participation that will keep audiences of all ages entertained and amused. The Thameside Panto is a real story with real characters – not just a string of variety acts. There will be some fantastic singing and dancing and a large dose of comedy, sparkle, magic and spectacle thrown in for good measure!! 

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are already selling well, so don’t delay, get your tickets today by calling the Thameside Theatre Box Office on Tel: 0845 300 5264 or online at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre! 

As usual, we are offering a great ‘Early Bird’ deal – which as we have said, makes Jack and the Beanstalk the best value Panto in Essex! If you reserve now and pay by 5pm on Tuesday 8 October 2013 you can save up to £3.00 per ticket. We will need a 25% deposit within 4 days of you making the reservation. To avoid you losing your deposit and reservation, we will phone you when the balance is due, as long as we have your telephone number.

To book your tickets you can telephone us on 0845 300 5264 or you can pop along to the theatre and book your tickets with our helpful Box Office staff. The Box Office is open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays 10am to 1.00pm. Alternatively, you can go on-line at www.thurrock.gov.uk/theatre any time of the day or night, where you can purchase up to 9 tickets.

Book now to avoid disappointment and get the best seats in the house!

THIS WEEK is the Thurrock Gang Show Week when the Stride On Team present a fun filled evening of entertainment, brought to you by the Scouts & Girl Guides of Thurrock 2013 Singing, dancing and comedy sketches performed by Scouts & Guides of all ages, will keep you entertained from the moment the curtains open!

Tuesday 30th April at 2pm We’ll Meet Again- Hits from the Blitz – Britain’s Best Matinee nostalgia show

A great afternoon singalong show that has been touring for 15 years. Join Marilyn Hill-Smith, Andy Eastwood. Adam Daye, Tony Leyton, Mervyn Francis and full musical accompaniment for an afternoon of patriotic Music and Fun. The ticket price includes a cup of tea or coffee at the interval but the bar will be open if you want something stronger.

Friday 3rd May at 7.30pm Rock and Roll Paradise

Now in its 4th year on the road this incredibly talented cast brings you “the show that never was” in the golden era of rock and roll, but delivered with all the fabulous flair of a high energy 21st century live concert. You’ll be blown away by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Big Bopper and Eddie Cochran, as these icons of rock and roll join each other on stage for this musical extravaganza. Backed by the superb Paradise Band, this show has audiences dancing in the aisles, singing along with the music, and yelling for more. Over 40 songs packed into this roof raising critically acclaimed show.

Wed 15th May at 7.30pm Sell a Door Theatre company present George Orwell’s “1984”

“War is peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength”. Winston Smith rewrites history for the Ministry of Truth, but when he’s handed a note that says simply ‘I love you’ by a woman he hardly knows, he decides to risk everything in a search for the real truth. In a world where cheap entertainment keeps the proles ignorant but content, where war without end is always fought and the government is always watching, can Winston possibly hold onto what he feels inside? Or will he renounce everything, accept the Party’s reality and learn to love Big Brother?

Sell a Door Theatre Company continue their 2013 season with Matthew Dunster’s faithful adaptation of George Orwell’s Dystopian Science Fiction novel.

Sat 18th May at 7.30pm Cheryl Baker – My Life – In A Land Of Make-believe

East End Girl Cheryl Baker formerly of Bucks Fizz will be taking the audience on a roller coaster journey which will, bring a smile to people’s faces and also tug on the heart strings when Cheryl reminisces about her upbringing and her life. Cheryl will also be singing some of the favourite hits that she has made throughout her career accompanied by her twin daughters.

Thurrock Courts Players

Take one delightful homely theatre, use a cleverly crafted script then add three experienced actors and you are in for a cracking evening. And the safe they are trying to crack is the central theme of Luke Coldham’s new one act play which opened last night at the wonderful Canal Cafe Theatre in London’s Little Venice. This was an unusual venture for Thurrock Courts Players to perform away from the Borough but after three nights here it moves for a week’s run at the daunting Edinburgh festival in the summer.

Tom (Vic Gray), Dick (Martyn Williams) and Harry (John Scowen) are three bank robbers who find themselves in a bank vault when the door slams behind them and shuts them inside without hope of release for the next twelve hours. Except there isn’t just three of them – Harry has at least 27 other personalities, Dick has an imaginary friend and Tom has Tourettes. The next hour sees the trio go through a whole range of emotions from high comedy to utter despair. We are treated to a unique version of “I could have danced all night” as Harry’s musical side comes to life.

Resembling the Three Stooges and adding a little Morecambe and Wise plus a touch of Python and the recipe for laughter is guaranteed. John Scowen knows how to use his face and boy does he use it well. From a wistful glance to the audience to an almost full gurn, he delights and entertains with ease. Martyn Williams reminded me of a rough John Le Mesurier. I loved this performance from Martyn whose sense of timing was just perfect. His character’s uselessness came over very strongly and you could see the frustration from his two sidekicks. Vic Gray sweated and swore and mumbled and cursed and got on his compatriots’ nerves. He was the Del Boy of the trio and, of course, nothing ever worked out quite right. His Tourettes meant that instead of swearing on occasion he uttered the name of Margaret Thatcher. It wasn’t a cruel sense of timing. The lines had been written long ago. If anything I would have liked to see more of this. It was a pleasure to see such accomplished work from these three seasoned actors and they triumphed in spades.

Luke’s play goes through a roller coaster of emotions from outright laughter to bittersweet tragedy. There are some terrible, unforgivable jokes in the script and the play is all the better for it. The dialogue is pacy and clever and you would think it was from the pen of a far more experienced author. There are small faults but this was a first night and that’s to be expected. This work goes to Edinburgh in the summer and with some small tweaks, i.e. a much better safe door, it should do really well. Your Thurrock will be seeing this again in Edinburgh and if the performances are anything like the London gigs then it should be very popular.
“Safe” is at the Canal Theatre Café Little Venice tonight and tomorrow.

The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity that immediately went to the number one position in the U.K. charts.

Dr. Feelgood have also enjoyed global success with a string of hit singles including Roxette, Back in the Night, Milk and Alcohol, Down at the Doctors, She Does it Right, Going Back Home and See You Later Alligator – which gave the group their first gold record.

The current line up features the rhythm section Kevin Morris on drums and Phil Mitchell on bass, both 29 years in the band and Steve Walwyn on guitar who has been with the band for 23 years.

Vocalist Robert Kane (formerly of the Animals) is the most recent addition – joining in 1999 after the tragic death of Lee Brilleaux.

The band continues to tour extensively throughout the World.